If it can’t be eliminated, then think of ways to create an outlet for that stress…. see above example of exercise!

SLEEP:

Getting enough sleep each night allows you to recover and perform better during the day. Make bedtime a routine, get to bed on time, wind down at night, make your room conducive to good quality sleep – dark room, cool temperature, no electronics 2 hours before bed, etc.

Social/relationships:

A part of creating that dream life might be having more friends or spending more time with loved ones. It might include finding a significant other if you don’t have one now. Those are all good goals! However, like other goals, you have to take steps to achieve it! That means meeting more people, say yes to hanging out with friends, host a few parties a year, use a dating app whether that be for finding more friends or more. Take action to change that aspect of your life.

With all these examples, and we could of course list more, pick 3 things to work on this week. Write them down and schedule them – DAY and TIME! Put them in your calendar and make it happen. Once those 3 new habits become routine – meaning you don’t have to think about them, pick 3 more to incorporate, etc. Keep this pattern going until before you know it those few baby steps add up to creating the dream picture in your head.

Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way! These are a few of my favorite (non-food based) ways to reward myself for hitting one of my short-term goals.

Next you have to track your progress. I like to do this with a journal. You don’t have to make long entries just get something on paper every now and then. This will help you take stock and reflect on your journey. You can also record multiple measurements of progress with journal entries from body weight, digestive symptoms as they appear and resolve, energy levels, attitude, mood, self-confidence, pictures, work out times or weights, and much more. You can also record times when you think you have ‘failed’ and learn from those experiences. You can read your own words and remember how it felt when you made that ‘less than optimal’ choice last time.

Last, but not least, write what you are grateful for. Whether you are thrilled with your progress or frustrated during a plateau there is ALWAYS something for which you can be grateful!